Lyrics
Walking around the happiest place in the world
Despite being in a joyful place, the singer is preoccupied with thoughts of someone.
But all I do is wonder if your hair's still curled
The singer wonders about the person's appearance, showing constant thoughts about them.
South of Brownsville, Texas south of Miami Beach
References specific geographical locations, indicating a distance that separates the singer from the person.
But all it means to me is that you're further out of reach
Despite being in these different places, the separation from the person remains emotionally painful.
Everywhere is sand and sun blue sky, water too
Describes pleasant surroundings, but the singer feels incomplete without the person.
I need you
Expresses the deep emotional need for the person despite the scenic beauty.
The Spanish moss is hanging and you find a polished stone
Depicts a picturesque scene where a stone is taken for luck, highlighting solitary moments.
You pocket it for luck and then you walk on alone
Despite finding a token, the person continues their journey alone, possibly implying a sense of longing.
They'll rent you a bicycle with the tires blown
Indicates a less than ideal situation (renting a bicycle with flat tires) that doesn't deter the journey.
They'll cook you up a blackened fish and strip it to the bone
Describes an experience of eating fish, possibly signifying mundane activities in an exotic location.
A slave ship just came in
Evokes historical imagery, possibly referencing the legacy of slavery or past injustices.
I been talking to the crew
Suggests engaging with others, yet the emotional need for the person remains.
I need you
Reiterates the intense emotional yearning for the person despite distractions.
In that house Hemingway is boxing in the back
Describes a setting where Hemingway's legacy is prominent, possibly symbolizing literary influences.
I go down to the library and check out all the facts
Expresses the singer's attempt to seek inspiration or distraction from mundane thoughts through reading.
Nowadays it's hard to write a line my own thoughts bore me
Shows frustration with personal creativity, seeking external help to express thoughts.
I found me an island kid who says he'll do it for me
Encountering someone willing to help write, possibly reflecting a longing for creative collaboration or assistance.
I'm wiping all my tears away so no one has a clue
Masking emotional turmoil to hide the need for the person from others.
That I need you
Repeatedly emphasizes the intense emotional longing for the person despite efforts to conceal it.
The last plane out of Saigon did not know that it was
Referencing a historical event to depict the uncertainty of leaving a place or situation.
Every man in prison thinks he's locked up for a cause
Reflects on individuals in confinement who believe in a cause or purpose for their situation.
I need something to do my violin needs to sound
Expresses the need for an outlet or activity to express emotions or thoughts, particularly through music.
I'm gonna see if Ernest wants to go a couple rounds
Referencing Hemingway again, possibly symbolizing a desire for confrontation or expression through art.
Sometimes you get lost and you find something new
Implies that even in moments of being lost, one might find something meaningful or unexpected.
I need you
Reiterates the intense emotional need for the person despite discoveries or distractions.
Some bird's flapping in the road on some crazy madman's string
Depicts a chaotic or abnormal situation, possibly reflecting the singer's emotional state.
Something's messed up with his wing something's messed up with my Everything
Draws parallels between the bird's wing and the singer's own emotional state, suggesting both are damaged or flawed.
So here's the truth at last I tell you
Announces a revelation or truth, likely setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the narrative.
Hemingway is dead
Confirms Hemingway's demise, symbolizing the loss of inspiration or guidance.
And everybody wants to find a steak that's slightly red
Reflects a general desire for satisfaction or fulfillment, represented by the metaphor of a slightly red steak.
I thought I could escape myself by just not getting dressed
Expresses a desire to escape from oneself or one's circumstances by avoiding action or involvement.
I thought I could escape you by coming to Key West
Suggests attempting to distance oneself from the emotional connection by physically moving away.
Sometimes you get lost and you don't find something new
Despite efforts to explore new things, the intense emotional need for the person remains unchanged.
I need you
Reiterates the fundamental emotional need for the person.
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